Hidden Penalties for Convictions in Illinois

In Illinois, there are several hidden penalties that can accompany a criminal conviction. Some of the most significant include:
Loss of voting rights: If you are convicted of a felony in Illinois, you will lose your right to vote until you complete your sentence and any related probation or parole.
Difficulty finding housing: Many landlords and property management companies conduct background checks on prospective tenants. If you have a criminal record, it may be more difficult to find housing, particularly if you have been convicted of a serious crime.
Difficulty finding employment: Similarly, many employers conduct background checks on job applicants. If you have a criminal record, it may be more difficult to find employment, particularly in certain industries.
Loss of professional licenses: Depending on the nature of the crime, a conviction may result in the loss of a professional license, making it difficult to continue working in certain fields.
Immigration consequences: If you are not a U.S. citizen, a criminal conviction can have serious immigration consequences, including deportation or denial of citizenship.
Loss of gun ownership rights: Depending on the nature of the crime, a conviction can result in the loss of your right to own or possess a firearm.
It is important to note that these consequences can have a significant impact on your life even after you have completed your sentence. If you are facing criminal charges in Illinois, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney to understand the potential consequences of a conviction and to explore your legal options.

Defending Drug Possession Cases in Illinois

Defending Drug Possession Cases in Illinois

Drug possession is a serious crime in Illinois, and those convicted of it can face significant penalties, including jail time, fines, and a criminal record. If you have been charged with drug possession, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you and build a strong defense.

There are a number of different defenses that can be used in drug possession cases. Some of the most common defenses include:

  • The drugs were not in my possession. This is a common defense, and it can be successful if the prosecution cannot prove that you had actual or constructive possession of the drugs. Actual possession means that you had the drugs on your person or in your immediate control. Constructive possession means that you had the ability to control the drugs, even if they were not on your person. For example, if you were driving a car and the police found drugs in the glove compartment, you could argue that you did not have constructive possession of the drugs because you did not know they were there.
  • The drugs were prescribed to me by a doctor. If you have a valid prescription for the drugs that you were found in possession of, this defense can be very effective. The prosecution will have to prove that you did not have a valid prescription for the drugs, or that you were not in possession of the drugs for a legitimate medical purpose.
  • The police violated my constitutional rights. If the police violated your constitutional rights during the arrest, any evidence that they obtained as a result of the violation may be inadmissible in court. This could include the drugs that were found in your possession.

If you have been charged with drug possession, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you and build a strong defense.

Here are some additional tips for defending drug possession cases in Illinois:

  • Be honest with your attorney. Your attorney needs to know all of the facts of your case in order to build a strong defense. If you are not honest with your attorney, it could hurt your case.
  • Do not talk to the police without an attorney present. Anything you say to the police can and will be used against you in court. It is important to have an attorney present when you speak to the police, even if you think you are innocent.
  • Gather evidence. If you have any evidence that could help your case, such as witnesses or video footage, be sure to gather it and provide it to your attorney.
  • Be prepared for trial. If your case goes to trial, be prepared to testify on your own behalf. Your attorney will help you prepare for trial and answer any questions you may have.

Drug possession is a serious crime, but with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney, you can build a strong defense and fight the charges against you.

Criminal Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance in Illinois and defenses.

Criminal Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance in Illinois and defenses.
The unlawful possession of a controlled substance in Illinois is a serious crime that can result in significant penalties, including jail time, fines, and a criminal record. The penalties for unlawful possession of a controlled substance vary depending on the type of drug, the amount of the drug possessed, and the person’s criminal history.
What is a controlled substance?
A controlled substance is a drug that is regulated by the government. The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) is a federal law that classifies drugs into five categories, or “schedules,” based on their potential for abuse and addiction. The CSA also sets forth the penalties for possessing, manufacturing, distributing, or selling controlled substances.
What is the law in Illinois regarding the possession of a controlled substance?
The Illinois Controlled Substances Act (720 ILCS 570/) prohibits the possession of controlled substances without a valid prescription. The law defines “possession” as “actual physical possession or constructive possession.” Actual physical possession means that the person has the drug on their person or in their immediate control. Constructive possession means that the person has the drug under their dominion and control, even if it is not on their person or in their immediate control.
What are the penalties for unlawful possession of a controlled substance in Illinois?
The penalties for unlawful possession of a controlled substance in Illinois vary depending Depending on on the type of drug, the amount of the drug possessed, and the person’s criminal history. The following are the general penalties for unlawful possession of a controlled substance in Illinois:
Schedule I and II drugs: Possession of a small amount of a Schedule I or II drug is a Class 4 felony. A Class 4 felony is punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
Schedule III, IV, and V drugs: Possession of a small amount of a Schedule III, IV, or V drug is a Class A misdemeanor. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Anabolic steroids: Possession of anabolic steroids is a Class C misdemeanor. A Class C misdemeanor is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,500.
What are the defenses to a charge of unlawful possession of a controlled substance in Illinois?
There are a number of defenses that may be available to a person charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance in Illinois. Some of the most common defenses include:
The person had a valid prescription for the drug.
The person was not aware that they were in possession of the drug.
The drug was found in a public place and the person did not have control over it.
The person was acting in self-defense when they possessed the drug.
What should I do if I am charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance in Illinois?
If you are charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance in Illinois, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you, develop a defense strategy, and represent you in court.

A general outline of the American legal system

A general outline of the American legal system: The American legal system is based on the common law system, which means that it is based on precedents set by previous court cases. The system is divided into two levels: the federal court system and the state court system.
The federal court system has three main levels: district courts, circuit courts, and the Supreme Court of the United States. District courts are the trial courts of the federal system, and they have jurisdiction over a variety of cases involving federal law. Circuit courts are the appeals courts of the federal system, and they review decisions made by district courts. The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the federal system, and it has the power to decide cases that involve important issues of federal law.
The state court system is divided into two main levels: trial courts and appellate courts. Trial courts are the courts where cases are first heard, and they have jurisdiction over a variety of cases involving state law. Appellate courts review decisions made by trial courts, and they have the power to overturn decisions that they find to be incorrect.
The American legal system is a complex system, but it is designed to ensure that justice is served. The system is based on the principle of due process, which means that everyone has the right to a fair trial. The system is also based on the principle of equal protection, which means that everyone is treated equally under the law.

One of the most important documents in legal history.

One of the most important documents in history.
The Magna Carta, also known as the Great Charter, is a historic document that was signed in 1215 by King John of England. The Magna Carta is one of the most significant legal documents in history, and it has been a source of inspiration for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law around the world.
At the time of its signing, the Magna Carta was primarily a document that established limits on the powers of the King. It was written by a group of powerful barons who were frustrated with the King’s authoritarian rule and sought to protect their rights and privileges. The Magna Carta contained provisions that addressed various issues, including the rights of free men, the limits on the power of the King, and the administration of justice.
One of the most significant provisions in the Magna Carta was the right to due process. This provision ensured that no one could be deprived of their life, liberty, or property without being given a fair trial. The Magna Carta also established the principle that the law applies to everyone, including the King, and that no one is above the law.
The Magna Carta also established the principle of taxation with representation. This meant that the King could not levy taxes without the consent of the barons, which was an important step towards establishing a representative government.
While the Magna Carta was primarily a document that addressed the rights of the barons, its impact went far beyond this group. Over time, the Magna Carta became a symbol of freedom and justice, and it inspired many people to fight for their rights and freedoms.
One of the most significant examples of the influence of the Magna Carta was in the development of the United States Constitution. Many of the principles and provisions in the Magna Carta, such as the right to due process, the rule of law, and the principle of taxation with representation, were incorporated into the US Constitution.
The Magna Carta also influenced the development of human rights law around the world. It inspired the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the United Nations in 1948. The principles of the Magna Carta continue to be relevant today, and they are a reminder of the importance of protecting human rights, the rule of law, and democratic values.
In conclusion, the Magna Carta is a historic document that played a significant role in the development of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Its provisions addressed issues that were relevant at the time of its signing, and its influence has continued to shape legal and political systems around the world. The Magna Carta serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting individual rights and freedoms and the rule of law, and its principles continue to be relevant today.

unusual Traffic and vehicle offenses in illinois

In Illinois, some unusual traffic and vehicle offenses include:

  • Leaving the scene of an accident: It is a crime to flee the scene of an accident in which someone is injured or killed, or in which there is significant property damage.
  • Reckless driving: This is a criminal offense in Illinois, and can include behaviors such as excessive speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, or tailgating.
  • Aggravated reckless driving: This is a more severe form of reckless driving and can result from behaviors such as racing on a highway or causing bodily harm to another person while driving recklessly.
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI): Illinois law prohibits operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and penalties can include fines, jail time, and license suspension or revocation.
  • Operating an uninsured vehicle: It is illegal to drive a vehicle on Illinois roads without valid insurance. Penalties may include fines, license suspension or revocation, and community service.
  • Transporting open alcohol: It is illegal to have open containers of alcohol in a vehicle while it is being operated.

Please keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list and you should always check the Illinois’s Vehicle Code for the most up-to-date information.

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Lake County police departments looking to add body cameras

 

It’s not unusual for police officers to be filmed by people with cellphones during a traffic stop nowadays, but police throughout Lake County may be wearing body cameras to monitor interactions as soon as this fall in Round Lake Park, and other departments are not far behind.

From Round Lake Park to Round Lake and Mundelien to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, municipalities and their police departments are moving ahead with body cameras.

“This is definitely the wave of the future and something that’s needed,” Lake County State’s Attorney Michael Nerheim said. “Body cameras are a type of evidence and the more evidence we have in any case the better.”

Gov. Bruce Rauner last week signed legislation that lays out the rules for police body cameras in Illinois, making it only the third state in the country to establish such rules, according to an Associated Press analysis. While it does not mandate body cameras, although there was legislation floated that would have done just that, it does specify how they will be worn, when they have to be turned on and how long the recordings must be kept as evidence.

It also established a grant program funded by a $5 addition to traffic tickets to help police departments buy the body cameras.

“They are going to be involved in every case, even misdemeanors,” Nerheim said. “You’re going to see footage on every single case.”

Nerheim said his office is working with the more than 40 police departments in Lake County on uniformity. If each department operated on a different system, that could pose a problem for his office, which would handle the recordings in court.

“It’s important we are part of the process,” he said.

Round Lake Park Police Chief George Filenko said if everything goes as planned his department will be ready to roll out the body cameras by mid September.

“It’s logical we’re doing this,” he said, “We decided this was the way to go.”

The village has purchased 6 4RE in-car systems with panoramic HD cameras and 13 VISTA HD body-worn cameras that have adjustable lenses so officers can adjust them according to their height. The total cost was approximately $57,000, which also includes a server and needed software.

For Patrol Officer Donna O’Brien, the body camera, which uses industrial strength magnets to hold it in place, is a good thing.

“I prefer them,” she said, “It’s good to have one more form of evidence to back up the truth.”

“I also think it’s good tool for training. I can review how I walked up to a vehicle during a traffic stop or person and see how I might of done it differently,” or see something that may have put her in danger, but she didn’t realize it at the time, she said.

“It will keep me on my toes, but I always act professionally,” she said.

Filenko said the response of his officers has not been “why do we need them,” but “when are we getting them.”

“In my opinion this is going to become standard, it may even be mandatory eventually,” he said. He knew two years ago they were going to need new squad car videos and he thought of incorporating the body cameras with that new system.

“It’s still not going to replace the human eye,” he said, but in the worse-case scenario, an officer involved shooting, “the more video the better,” said Filenko, who is in charge of the Major Crime Task Force that is called in to investigate those shootings.

Round Lake Police Chief Michael Gillette said his mayor and trustees wanted to get ahead of the curve and be pro-active. “I’m proud of the board and the mayor for letting us do that,” he said of their purchase of 15 FirstVu HD cameras from Kansas-based Digital Ally, at a cost of $13,800.

“We feel it’s a good tool for the officers to put together a solid case,” he said, “and of course it would be used in allegations of misconduct. I think they are really good tools.”

Bigger departments have bigger problems with figuring out the financing, but the Waukegan Police Department is “aggressively” researching different models, according to Cmdr. Joe Florip.

“We need to see what will work best (for the 80 patrol officers and 20 patrol cars). We’re excited as an organization to get body cameras. We think it’s best for our community and the police department,” he said.

“It’s priceless when it comes to a citizen complaint. There’s nothing like pulling up a video,” he said, noting that sometimes they can do that now from dash cameras and sometimes residents see their actions in a different light.

The Lake County Chiefs Association, headed by Highland Park Chief Paul Schafer, said they are getting more inquiries from other chiefs about body cameras. There still needs to be a lot of policy work, such as how to handle Freedom of Information requests, obscuring juvenile or witness faces from the video and other issues and having the personnel able to do that.

“There’s a lot of implementation with this new technology that the chiefs are taking a look at,” he said. They plan to have it on their agenda for the September meeting.

Other departments like Round Lake Beach are just starting to look into it, partly because of the funding mechanism included in the bill the governor recently signed. For some departments it would be hard to afford and they want to make sure they get the right equipment.

“We want it done right the first time,” said Police Chief Dave Hare. But he believes they will benefit police and the community.

“Transparency is a good thing for the community and body camera play into that,” he said

Illinois Supreme Court released 4 criminal law cases for March 2016.

 

Here are the top 13 criminal law cases from the Illinois court system for March 2016. The first 4 are from the Illinois Supreme Court. Number 4 was a victory for the defense at the lower level and the Illinois Supreme Court had something to say about that.

  1.  People v. Burns
    The “no-nights visits” rule is affirmed, can’t bring the sniffer dog to your front step for a little sniff action.
  2. People v. Bradford
    Prosecution no longer allowed to overcharge an ordinary retail theft to a burglary.
  3. People v. Clark
    Aggravated vehicular hijacking and armed robbery without a firearm are not lesser-included offenses of aggravated vehicular hijacking and armed robbery with a firearm.
  4. People v. Timmsen
    Apparently, the police can stop you for trying to legally avoid a roadblock.
  5. People v. Abram
    Officers approach defendant who was sitting in his car he then, to say the least, ensues in outright flight.
  6. People v. Smith
    This trial judge was overruled; there is nothing unconstitutional about requesting citizen’s to roll up their sleeves.
  7. People v. Thompson
    Some of the State’s remarks relied on questionable advocacy, but did not rise to the level of clear and obvious error.
  8. People v. Meuris
    In a leaving the scene of an accident prosecution the State must not only prove that Defendant knew he was involved in an accident but also that another person was involved.
  9. People v. Weinke
    Reviewing court says ASA exaggerated the severity of victim’s condition and misled the court as to the source and timing of her information in order to pressure the court into granting a quickie deposition.
  10. People v. Tayborn
    Trial counsel was ineffective for not challenging defendant’s confession given without Miranda warnings.
  11. People v. Little
    Cigarette break is not a sufficient amount of time to remove the taint of the original Miranda violation.
  12. People v. Gray
    These drug officers were themselves charged with distributing narcotics and Defendant was not told about the investigation before he plead guilty to his own drug charges.
  13. People v. Fulton
    In a charge of armed habitual criminal the same conviction can be used as one of the predicate offenses as well the predicate to the UUW Felony conviction that may be being used.